11 days in Finland Itinerary

Kotka is a city and municipality of Finland.Kotka is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland at the mouth of Kymi River and it is part of the Kymenlaakso region in southern Finland. Popular historic sites such as Stromforsin ruukki and Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral are in your itinerary. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Linden Esplanade and Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge Museum. Venture out of the city with trips to Arboretum Mustila (in Elimaki), Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area (in Kouvola) and Hiidenvuori (in Iitti). There's lots more to do: identify plant and animal life at Riverside Park, wander the streets of Hamina Old Town, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pyhtaa Church of Saint Henry, and head off the coast to Varissaari - Fort Elisabeth.

For photos, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Kotka trip itinerary maker app .

Lisbon, Portugal to Kotka is an approximately 10.5-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone changes from Western European Time (WET) to Eastern European Time (EET), which is usually a 2 hour difference. Expect cooler temperatures when traveling from Lisbon in April; daily highs in Kotka reach 8°C and lows reach -1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Vaasa.

Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland. Start off your visit on the 19th (Fri): explore the striking landscape at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site. Keep things going the next day: examine the collection at Terranova, sample the tasty concoctions at Bock’s Corner Brewery, and then brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Kyr0 Distillery Company.

To see photos, ratings, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Vaasa day trip planner.

Traveling by combination of train and flight from Kotka to Vaasa takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 7°C in April, and nighttime lows around -1°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sat) so you can travel to Akaslompolo.

On the 21st (Sun), see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour and then head outdoors with Seven Fells Up.

For photos, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Akaslompolo trip itinerary maker app .

Getting from Vaasa to Akaslompolo by combination of flight and bus takes about 7 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Vaasa in April, you will find days in Akaslompolo are slightly colder (3°C), and nights are about the same (-4°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) early enough to drive to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. On the 22nd (Mon), experience rural life at Reindeer Farm Petri Mattus, then examine the collection at Siida, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

To find photos, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Inari trip builder tool .

You can drive from Akaslompolo to Inari in 4 hours. Another option is to take a bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to 3°C, and evening lows to -6°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Mon) early enough to travel to Helsinki.

Finland's largest and most populated metropolis, the maritime town of Helsinki boasts varied architecture, a lively cafe culture, and plethora of picturesque natural delights.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Ullanlinna. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Rock Church and The Esplanadi Park. Step out of Helsinki with an excursion to Nuuksio National Park in Espoo--about 46 minutes away. There's lots more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kamppi Chapel of Silence, take a stroll through Katajanokka, and soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers.

To find more things to do and other tourist information, you can read our Helsinki online trip itinerary planner .

Do a combination of shuttle and flight from Inari to Helsinki in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Inari in April: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 9°C and lows are around 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) so you can travel back home.